Hackman General Store was erected from 1861 to 1864 by Anton Hackman of Winkum, Germany, at a cost of $3,317.35. The structure consists of 125,000 bricks handmade locally at Gehrings Brick Yards. Bricklayers earned $2.00 and laborers $1.25 for a 10-hour day. Ornate tinwork on the front of the building was fashioned by Caspar Gaupel, master tinsmith. It served as a trading center housing three floors of merchandise, a post office, tavern, and residence.